Well, that's an interesting question, entirely separate from how funny/tragic it is that the most powerful nation in history lives in mortal fear of Lite-Brites. I mean, I actually don't think it's fair to expect Tom Menino to know who Err and Ignignokt are.
The interesting cases (to me) are at the margins. At the big plenary address for a history of technology conference last year, the speaker showed a clip from The Matrix to make some random point, but prefaced the clip with about ten minutes explaining the plot of the movie. This provoked considerable discussion afterwards among me and some buddies: was that necessary? can the plot of The Matrix not be taken as a given among educated adults? If not, then how about Star Wars? Or Casablanca? Or if it can, then how about something less well known. The plot of Tron? Of Caddyshack? Of Quick Before It Melts? Where should one draw the line?
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timeasmymeasure
Don't Trust Anyone Who Doesn't Like The Simpsons
Date: 2007-02-01 03:23 pm (UTC)The interesting cases (to me) are at the margins. At the big plenary address for a history of technology conference last year, the speaker showed a clip from The Matrix to make some random point, but prefaced the clip with about ten minutes explaining the plot of the movie. This provoked considerable discussion afterwards among me and some buddies: was that necessary? can the plot of The Matrix not be taken as a given among educated adults? If not, then how about Star Wars? Or Casablanca? Or if it can, then how about something less well known. The plot of Tron? Of Caddyshack? Of Quick Before It Melts? Where should one draw the line?